I am 69 years old. The first 68 were pretty good. This year has been more of a challenge. I began the year (January 7) testing positive for COVID. Fortunately, my case was mild. My father-in -law tested positive the same day and was gone in two weeks. My wife later developed a very serious case and took several months to recover. Her sense of taste is still screwy. Everything seems to taste like corn chips. At least that saves us from going to expensive restaurants. But back to me, it is my blog by the way. After my mild case of COVID I have had two knee replacement surgeries cancelled due to health concerns, three cardiac procedures, one cataract surgery (another is scheduled in October). Today I received word that I have a basil cell skin cancer on my forehead and will have to have surgery for that…so much for my youthful countenance.
Anyway, all this is to say that in my many years of
experiencing the ups and downs of life in this sin-scarred world, my years of theological
study (Masters and Doctoral level), as well as preaching and teaching on 5 of
the 7 continents I have discovered three truths that have become handles that I
can grab and cling to no matter what happens.
The first truth is that you have to believe in
something. Whether you are Baptist,
Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheist,
or just one of those who declare themselves as ‘non-believers’. We all really believe in something. Even declaring oneself as an atheist or
non-believer is a declaration of belief in nothing. Believing in nothing is something. So, since we all have to believe in something,
why not choose a belief system that allows you to be loving and kind to your
fellowman. Far too many wars, conflict
and division have been caused by not respecting or accepting an alternative
belief. In all my years of studying
different religious beliefs, I have come to the conclusion that it is best to
find a way to believe in loving one’s neighbor and practicing kindness toward
your fellowman in all situations. We
argue far too often about different beliefs; whether it is religion or politics
it is better to get along and live a life of harmony than to be divided. Years ago, I heard a spiritual teacher share
this wisdom; “When in a discussion, if you have a choice to be right or
kind, choose kind.”
The second truth has to do with our sense of control in our
lives. If this year or two of COVID
cancellations and shut-downs has taught us anything it should have taught us
that we do not have control of the future…even the next five minutes. As I write this, I am reminded that 41 years
ago, at this very time, my wife and I were beginning the ceremony where we
would publicly profess our love and commitment to one another as husband and wife. Last year, to celebrate our 40th
anniversary we planned a Rhine River Cruise.
COVID changed those plans. We decided
to stay married and are scheduled to finally go in a few weeks. However, I will not be shocked if something
happens. I have learned through this
year of COVID, cancellations, shut-downs, and my own health issues that I do
not have control of anything in this world...except one thing.
As I often proclaimed from the pulpit, “We live in a
sin-scarred world where bad things happen, often for no understandable reason.” Jesus told us that God causes the sun to rise
on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew
5:43-45). I could live a righteous life,
eating only healthy foods, exercising and being kind to animals and still get
hit by a drunk driver running a stop sign.
The only thing in this life that I (or you) can control is how we
react to what just happened! We may
not have any power over what is happening in and around our lives but we can
control how we react to what just happened.
We can become angry, impatient, bitter, etc. or we can decide to make
the best of the situation no matter how unfair or unjust we may think it may
be.
One of my favorite books of the Bible is Philippians. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter from a Philippian
jail. He had committed no real crime but
was falsely imprisoned because the ‘powers that be’ did not like his public proclamation
of the Gospel. Paul did not become
discouraged or angry at God at the injustice he was suffering. Instead, he realized that the guards were now
his ‘captive’ audience and there became a revival inside and outside the palace
guard. As he gets to the conclusion of
this marvelous letter of encouragement, he gives the following incredible statement;
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Wow!
His faith led him to “be content whatever the circumstances.” He could not control the unjust leaders
that had him falsely imprisoned. He
could not control the lies that were continually spread by those who opposed
his faith. The only thing he could
control was his reaction to the situation and he chose CONTENTMENT. When we realize that we have control of how
we can (and should) respond to anything and everything that may happen, whether
good or bad; we have made a great step in learning, as did Paul, the secret to
contentment!
Finally (preachers often say this and continue to drone on and
on, however I will try to wrap up quickly), since we have to believe in
something and since the only thing, we can control is how we react to what just
happened, we might as well choose to be happy.
If your belief system is not leading you to happiness and positive relationships
with your fellowman, I would encourage you to try altering your belief. Years ago (I know people my age say that a
lot but we have been around for a number of years), I ran across a book
entitled, “Happiness Is A Choice”. I
have learned that it truly is a choice.
We can choose to try to be happy and content no matter the situation, as
did Paul, or we can choose to become angry, bitter or disillusioned. We really do have that power to choose our
reaction (refer back to truth # 2).
I am often amazed that 69 years of life have rolled along so
rapidly. I wonder, “How, did I get this old
this quickly?” Life is truly fragile and
fleeting. There is no reason not to make
the most of each moment and in my years, I have come to the conclusion that it
is best to believe in a life of love and compassion for your fellowman, seek to
have a positive response no matter what just happened and do all you can to
choose happiness each day.
